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Iraqi forces reach jihadist-besieged town of Amerli

Iraqi forces have broken through the Islamic State-besieged town of Amerli where thousands of people were trapped for over two months, according to news agency AFP.

Security spokesman Lieutenant General Qassem Atta told AFP: "Our forces entered Amerli and broke the siege".

RAF transport planes took part in a humanitarian air drop to the town last night, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said.

US aircraft also launched airstrikes against IS fighters near the besieged town.

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Brits among most 'vicious and vociferous IS fighters'

British extremists are among the "most vicious and vociferous fighters" in the Islamic State, a jihadism expert said.

Britons are now taking part in conflicts "in every way" including acting as suicide bombers and executioners, Shiraz Maher, from King's College London's International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation, said.

"Unfortunately the British participation in the conflicts now raging in both Syria and Iraq has been has been one of full participation, one that has seen them at the front lines, taking part in the conflict in every way," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

"So we have seen British fighters out there operating as suicide bombers, we have seen them operating as executioners.

"Unfortunately they are amongst some of the most vicious and vociferous fighters who are out there. That is unfortunately just a part of their radicalisation."

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Iraqi forces reach jihadist-besieged town of Amerli

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